Page 16 of Trust Me Always

Today I’m wearing the white AU T-shirt that I turned into a fun, fringy thing. I cut the bottom nearly up to my bra line, the pieces even with each other and about a half an inch wide. The AU is outlined and bedazzled with little diamonds, also in the matching colors of the lettering.

To go with the cowgirlesque style I created, I’m wearing my cutoff jean shorts, some dark blue fishnets underneath, and short cowgirl boots. My hair is up in a high pony with glitter helping to slick it back, and my lips are so pink they’d make Barbie jealous.

Too bad none of it was for him.

I just like to dress for every occasion.

“What are you doing here, Alister?”

“I heard you were headed home right after the game…” He trails off, a strange look in his eye, as if he wants to ask me something but isn’t sure he should.

I’m gonna call that progress.

“Well.” I lift my arm, motioning to my living room. “Looks like you heard right.”

His lips form a tight line, and he just continues to stare.

I raise my brows. “Okay, well, I wish I could say thanks for stopping by, but considering I asked you to back off a bit and you’re here, I?—”

“A bit?”

Confusion bubbles within me. “What?”

Alister steps forward, and I hold my breath. “You said you want me to back offa bit.”

“Um…” Did I say that? “I didn’t mean that…like—” I cut myself off, flustered, and my cheeks start to pinken when Alister’s grin slowly grows, showing off his perfect, pretty-boy teeth. It’s likehe had braces twice or something. And monthly whitening appointments.

And a lifetime membership to the gym…

Alister chuckles, coming so close I don’t notice his hand lift until his palm is closing over my hip.

I curl my toes in my boots, hating how familiar his touch is and the reminder of the last time his hands were on me.

It just so happens the last time we had sex was also the same day I learned he pretended to like me to try and get dirt on his competition.

My face must show where my mind has gone, as Alister’s grin begins to fall.

His free hand comes up then, attempting to cup my cheek, but I turn away at the last moment.

“Please,” he whispers, and to my disgust, I feel the heat of tears building.

And to my absolute horror, the most protective man in our entire crew appears.

Even with my head turned away, my eyes find mossy brown ones over Alister’s shoulder.

I’m not sure what he sees, but my fun, flirty guy turns red and then his fist is locking around the back of Alister’s neck.

Alister tenses as he releases me and tries to yank free, but Brady’s hand is wider than the guy’s neck, his fingers curling around so far, they press against his throat.

Brady jerks him backward, and his eyes meet mine, silently asking me what I want him to do.

Alister is bitching, but I don’t hear anything he’s saying.

I give Brady a subtle shake of my head and step to the side, opening the door up more. That’s all the answer he needs, tossing Alister into the hall like he’s nothing but a rag doll and not a five-eleven football player.

He gives Alister not another moment’s attention but slips inside and eases the door closed behind him.

With the soft click of the lock, he completely transforms, his giant smile and glittering gaze now staring down at me. “You look like Ken’s wet dream.”

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